title: Characterization of an optimized light source and comparison to pulsed dye laser for superficial and deep vessel clearance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An arc lamp-based device providing optimized spectrum and pulse shape was characterized and compared with two pulsed dye laser (PDL) systems using a vascular phantom. Safety and effectiveness for facial telangiectasia are presented in clinical case studies.
  
  
  METHODS
  An optimized pulsed light source's (OPL) spectral and power output were characterized and compared with two 595 nm PDL devices. Purpuric threshold fluences were determined for the OPL and PDLs on Fitzpatrick type II normal skin. A vascular phantom comprising blood-filled quartz capillaries beneath porcine skin was treated by the devices at their respective purpuric threshold fluences for 3 ms pulse widths, while vessel temperatures were monitored with an infrared (IR) camera. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types II-III received a split-face treatment with the OPL and a 595 nm PDL.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The OPL provided a dual-band output spectrum from 500 to 670 nm and 850-1,200 nm, pulse widths from 3 to 100 ms, and fluences to 80 J/cm(2). The smooth output power measured during all pulse widths provides unambiguous vessel size selectivity. Percent energy in the near infra-red increased with decreasing output power from 45% to 60% and contributed 15-26% to heating of deep vessels, respectively. At purpuric threshold fluences the ratio of OPL to PDL vessel temperature rise was 1.7-2.8. OPL treatments of facial telangiectasia were well-tolerated by patients demonstrating significant improvements comparable to PDL with no downtime.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intense pulsed light (IPL) and PDL output pulse and spectral profiles are important for selective treatment of vessels in vascular lesions. The OPL's margin between purpuric threshold fluence and treatment fluence for deeper, larger vessels was greater than the corresponding margin with PDLs. The results warrant further comparison studies with IPLs and other PDLs.
authors.affiliation: Maryland Laser Skin and Vein Institute, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030, USA.
authors.forename: Robert A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Weiss
authors.forename: E Victor
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: Emil A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Tanghetti
authors.forename: David B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Vasily
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Childs
authors.forename: Mikhail Z
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Smirnov
authors.forename: Gregory B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Altshuler
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D054025:Lasers, Dye / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D011693:Purpura; D013552:Swine; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery*